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The Prophet Isaiah
Relief of Prophet Isaiah
The Prophet Isaiah
French (Limoges)
Medieval
early 13th century
Object Place: Europe, France
Medium/Technique
Gilded copper (99.5% copper, .5% lead)
Dimensions
23.5 x 8.3 x 3.3 cm (9 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Frederick Brown Fund
Accession Number53.4
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsMetalwork
DescriptionRelief of a standing male in three-quarter view with two attachment holes (in the chest and between the legs). Single copper sheet, repoussé (into a mold), cut out, engraved, chased, punched, and mercury gilded. In his left hand the figure holds the end of a scroll inscribed: + EGREDIETVR VIRGA; his right arm, extended across his chest, gestures to the right. Beneath a cloak (fastened over the left shoulder) that forms a deep loop in front, he wears a tunic with wide border (decorated at the bottom), wide sleeves, and a damp fold over the left thigh. Marked by nests of very thin, chased lines, the drapery appears thin and clinging. The face is long and narrow with large round eyes, triangular nose, and straight mouth; the pointed beard and the hair of shoulder length are finely punched.
ProvenanceBy 1953, with Mathais Komor, New York; 1953, sold by Komor to the MFA for $1200. (Accession Date: January 8, 1953)